Dallas police closed down a rooster-fighting operation late Saturday, detaining 20 people and finding at least 200 birds on the property.
Some of the roosters were badly injured, and authorities found at least 15 dead birds, Dallas police said.The number of roosters could increase once investigators search the entire property in the 4700 block of North Counts Boulevard in west Dallas, police said.Dallas police got the report of animal cruelty involving rooster fighting about 11:30 p.m.When they arrived, officers observed dozens of vehicles parked in a field at the end of the street.People scattered when police arrived, but the officers managed to detain 20 of them. Many others fled as additional police showed up, police said in a news release.On the property, authorities found the birds and several structures that housed the roosters and horses. In the center of the structures, police found a fight ring and bet cards.Police issued 23 citations to the people whom they detained and later released.The owner of the property also faces charges for allowing the operation, police said. The news release said that officers had obtained the name and address of the owner, but it did not say that he was arrested.Authorities also seized several illegal instruments used in the operation, police said. Officials with animal control also were obtaining a civil seizure warrant to take the animals off the property.Investigators with animal control, code compliance and veterinarians assisted in the investigation..Domingo Ramirez Jr., 817-390-7763Twitter: @mingoramirezjrHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
